The carefree life of Yang Shuisheng, the village miracle doctor

Yang Shuisheng followed Zhou Caifeng, one in front of the other, towards Zhao Youcai's house at the east end of the village.

It was completely dark, and lights were twinkling in the village.

Zhou Caifeng walked ahead, her light red shirt standing out in the night. The tight-fitting shirt accentuated her waist and hips, creating an alluring curve as she walked. Yang Shuisheng followed behind, thoroughly enjoying the view.

"What time is it? Why aren't they here yet?"

Before the two even reached the entrance of Zhao Youcai's conspicuous two-story house, they heard Zhao Youcai's slightly agitated muttering coming from inside.

"Could they be playing a trick on me?"

"Or...did that woman Zhou Caifeng fail to deliver the message?"

"Damn it, what a waste of all the good food I had her prepare!"

Yang Shuisheng heard it clearly, and a faint smile appeared on his lips.

"Cough cough—"

He deliberately made his footsteps heavy and coughed once.

The muttering inside stopped abruptly.

Zhou Caifeng stepped forward, pushed open the half-closed courtyard gate, and swayed her hips as she walked in. Her voice was crisp and bright, with a hint of reproach: "Youcai! What are you muttering to yourself over there? Ren Shuisheng is here, isn't he?"

"Oh my! Shui Sheng is here! Please come in, please come in!"

Yang Shuisheng also stepped inside, a half-smile on his face. Looking at Zhao Youcai who came out to greet him from the main room, he said half-jokingly, "Uncle Youcai, I heard you talking about me from inside. Don't worry, I keep my word. I'll definitely come if I say I'll come for dinner."

"I had some business to attend to in town, which took a little longer than usual. Sorry to keep you waiting."

A fleeting moment of embarrassment crossed Zhao Youcai's face, which was quickly replaced by an even more enthusiastic smile. He rubbed his hands together and said repeatedly, "I was just joking around, having a good laugh with myself!"

"Who do you think you are, Shui Sheng? You're a man of your word, how could you possibly stand me up?"

"Come in, come in and sit down!"

"Exactly! You're the one who loves to gossip!"

Zhou Caifeng chimed in, giving Zhao Youcai a sidelong glance: "Shuisheng, ignore him, come in quickly, the food is getting cold, I'll go heat it up."

The three entered the main room.

The electric lights inside made the room bright and cheerful.

The central octagonal table was indeed laden with food: chicken, fish, meat, eggs, and several kinds of seasonal vegetables—a total of seven or eight dishes, more abundant than what most families would have for the New Year.

Three sets of bowls and chopsticks, and three chairs were already set out, with an extra set, clearly prepared for Yang Shuisheng.

Yang Shuisheng walked to the table, but did not sit down immediately. Instead, he said politely, "Uncle Zhao, Aunt Feng, actually... I've already had dinner at a friend's house in town, so I'm not hungry yet."

"I'll just have something light to eat, please don't mind."

"You've already eaten?" Zhao Youcai was taken aback for a moment, but quickly recovered and smiled without fading. "It's okay if you've already eaten. Just eat a little and try your Aunt Feng's cooking."

"It's perfect that we'll focus on drinking and eat as secondary activities."

"Come, come, sit down, sit down!"

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Without saying a word, he pressed Yang Shuisheng into the guest of honor's seat and sat down next to him.

Zhou Caifeng also sat down on the other side with a smile, picked up the wine pot, and first filled the cup in front of Yang Shuisheng.

Yang Shuisheng took a look and realized that what was being poured out of the wine jug was not the bulk liquor commonly found in the village, but bottled liquor with a label.

Although it's not a particularly expensive brand, in Taohua'ao, serving bottled wine to guests is already a very high standard.

It seems that Zhao Youcai really went all out for tonight's meal and took it very seriously.

"Come on, Shuisheng, try this wine. A friend brought it back from the county. It's pretty good."

Zhao Youcai raised his glass and enthusiastically urged him to drink.

Yang Shuisheng didn't refuse. He picked up his cup, clinked it with Zhao Youcai's, and took a small sip.

The wine is indeed more mellow than bulk wine.

After downing a glass of wine, I felt a little warm in my stomach.

Yang Shuisheng put down his cup and, without beating around the bush, looked directly at Zhao Youcai.

"Uncle Zhao, you've gone to such lengths to prepare such a delicious meal and treat me to such fine wine today. It can't be just a simple dinner invitation, can it?"

"Is something the matter?"

He was asking a question he already knew the answer to, thus passing the buck to Zhao Youcai.

Zhao Youcai's smile froze for a moment when Yang Shuisheng asked him this direct question, but he quickly recovered.

"Shuisheng, you've really hit the nail on the head."

He put down his chopsticks, leaned forward slightly, and lowered his voice: "Uncle invited you here today because there's something good I'd like to discuss with you."

He paused, observing Yang Shuisheng's expression. Seeing that he didn't react much, he continued, "It's like this, in a few days, our village will hold an election to fill a vacancy for a village cadre."

"Managing miscellaneous tasks and running errands, the power isn't great, but it's still a title and provides some compensation."

"After much thought, I believe Yang Shuisheng is the most suitable person for this position!"

"Me? Uncle Youcai, you're not kidding, are you?"

Yang Shuisheng listened with surprise, even a bit overwhelmed: "I didn't even finish elementary school, I can't even read all the characters, I'm just a farmer, how could I be suitable to be a village cadre?"

"I've heard that being a cadre requires education and academic qualifications, right?"

"Perhaps someone like me isn't suitable?"

"Hey! You're mistaken!" Zhao Youcai waved his hand, giving him a look that said, "You're underestimating yourself. Times have changed. Now, what matters is ability and hard work."

"Education and such are all superficial. In our Peach Blossom Village, that's what matters." He gave a thumbs up. "Before, you were a hidden gem, but now it's different. You have ability and drive; even Brother Kun from town looks up to you. That's capability! That's influence!"

"If you're willing, I guarantee you'll be elected."

"What others say about education or qualifications doesn't matter. If I say you can do it, then you definitely can."

His words made it very clear that as long as Yang Shuisheng nodded, Zhao Youcai could use his influence as village chief to get him the position of village cadre.

This was clearly a bargaining chip he used to win over and bribe Yang Shuisheng, attempting to repair the relationship with a somewhat nominal and somewhat beneficial official position, and even to tie Yang Shuisheng to his side.

However, the hatred for one's parents is irreconcilable, and the hatred for the loss of land is even more unforgivable.

"Uncle Youcai, thank you for thinking so highly of me."

The surprise on Yang Shuisheng's face slowly faded, replaced by a thoughtful expression, and then he slowly shook his head.

"However... I really have no interest in being a village cadre."

"I just want to cultivate my two acres of land and live a peaceful life."

Zhao Youcai's smile froze for a moment.

"Not interested?"

He didn't expect Yang Shuisheng to refuse so decisively, without even a hint of consideration.

You know, many people would kill to become a village cadre.

His prepared follow-up remarks were abruptly cut off. He was a little anxious, but he still forced a smile and asked, "Shuisheng, what are you interested in? Tell your uncle."

"I will definitely help you if I can."